Roaming dragons and knight training to mark St George’s Day in Derby

Published: 27 March 2024

Discover dragons, workshops, puppet shows and the family retelling of St George at a free family-friendly event in Derby city centre. Add in a spot of knight training and a few roaming dragons and you can be sure there will be lots of fun for all the family to enjoy. 

The city’s annual St George’s Day celebrations will take place on Saturday 20 April. The two-hour programme, brought to you by Derby LIVE in conjunction with The Lost Boys and St Peters Quarter BID, features a feast of family fun for St George’s Day.

Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Culture and Tourism, said:

“As ever, Derby is proud to celebrate St George’s Day with a whole host of family friendly activities that will bring the story of our patron saint to life. We’re delighted to have such vibrant mix of groups and performers taking part in what is sure to be an excellent event.”

Don't miss the start of the event, at 12noon at the Waterfall in Derby Market Place, with St George and his squire by who will welcome audiences and workshop participants to the event, as well as warning them to be on the look out for dragon attacks! The Lost Boys will recreate St George defeating the Dragon in combat with their 10 minute tongue-in-cheek performance. Afterwards, you can join in with the first showing of AVP Theatre puppet show retelling of the full St George and the Dragon story as a family-friendly fairytale. 

Join our have-a-go workshops where you can train as brave and chivalrous knights with The Lost Boys and Team Falchion. In our Knight’s Workshop, The Lost Boys will provide an opportunity to teach the audience about chivalry and sword fighting. Team Falchion will then take over with more skills to further enhance our knights in training. As Medieval Re-enactors, they will also have displays of armour and medieval combat. Look out for the dragons too, as they roam the Market Place during the afternoon.

The Waterfall programme will end, with a second showing of AVP theatre puppet show if you missed the earlier family performance, not to be missed! 

For more free activities join Scraggy Moo at St Peter’s Cross between 12noon – 2pm, for environmentally friendly family crafts, including making dragons and flags, sponsored and working in partnership with the St Peter’s Quarter BID.

Brad Worley, Manager for the Derby Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter BIDs said: 

“St George’s Day celebrations are always a fantastic event in Derby and this year is no exception. The St Peters Quarter and Cathedral Quarter BIDs are excited to help support the wide variety of performances on offer and we hope that everybody has a wonderful time.”

The main St George’s Day celebrations programme will run from 12 noon until 2pm. Visit the Derby LIVE website for more information and timings.

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